As winter begins, so does flu season. This time, respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis have increased significantly.
These illnesses can pose serious risks to infants up to the age of 2 and elderly people, which is why the Ministry of Health advises people to get vaccinated and adhere to preventative measures in case of infection.
Flu cases reported by laboratories have increased for the fourth consecutive week, jumping from 190 to 350 last week. However, other viral infections are also on the rise, especially respiratory infections, says Jean-Claude Schmit, Director of the Ministry of Health.
"We are seeing a rise in other infections such as the RSV virus and winter-triggered pneumonia caused by pneumococcus. All of these being infections that occur more frequently in winter."
Vaccination remains the most effective method to avoid seasonal flu and reduce the risk of complications. The Ministry also recommends early vaccination against the RSV virus, which is particularly severe in young children and people over 75.
"We now have an antibody treatment - not a vaccine, but an immunisation - that provides immunity to infants or can be administered to pregnant women. They then transfer the immunity to their child. This means that if pregnant women are protected, the children born are also automatically protected."
Covid-19 infections are also on the rise, though Schmit notes this is now a normal trend for the season. Hospitals are well-prepared to handle the influx of flu and other infections. However, Schmit emphasises the importance of prevention.
"It is a matter of reducing transmission from person to person. Vaccinations are the most effective tool, but other measures, like wearing masks when ill and regular hand washing, are crucial to stopping such transmission," he said.
Despite the increase in respiratory infections, the number of hospitalisations has dropped significantly compared to last year, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
Watch the report in Luxembourgish:
Listen to the report in Luxembourgish:
